How soon can I return to work after hemorrhoid surgery?

　　The general time to return to work after hemorrhoid surgery is between 7 to 14 days. Detailed analysis is as follows:

　　If the surgical wound is large and the condition is complex, such as in circumferential mixed hemorrhoid surgery or cases accompanied by complications like infection, the recovery period may be longer, approximately 10 to 14 days. These surgeries cause more significant damage to the perianal tissues, requiring more time for wound healing. Postoperative symptoms such as pain and edema may persist longer. Early return to work could easily affect wound healing due to physical activity and friction, potentially causing bleeding or infection and prolonging the recovery period.

　　For less severe cases with smaller surgical wounds, such as simple internal hemorrhoid ligation or external hemorrhoidectomy, postoperative recovery is faster, generally allowing return to work within 7 to 10 days. In these cases, the surgical trauma is minimal, local inflammatory reactions are mild, and wound healing is faster. If the work does not involve heavy physical exertion, patients can return to work earlier as their physical functions recover well.

　　Whether one can return to work after surgery should be determined based on individual recovery status. One should avoid engaging in heavy physical labor or prolonged sitting or standing too early. If discomfort such as wound pain or bleeding occurs after returning to work, timely rest and medical follow-up are recommended.